builder of narrative, drawer of real and imagined objects, investigator of self

Update: March 2017

[accidentally types “udpate” in title box. this brain is a good brain, I swear]

I’ve found I can cover a decent bit of ground if I put all the things in recent memory into one post. And it’s also interesting to see what sorts of information stands out for me personally. I intend to post one of these at the end of each month. This is both a recap for myself and any friends or family I’m not in constant contact with.

Biggest news of the month was that I got a new job. I finished up working at the Barnes Foundation on the 13th and I began training at the American Philosophical Society on the 23rd. Training is going well so far and I’m digging into American history in more ways than I ever thought I would.

As a result of finding a new job, I was also able to score a new apartment in west Philly. A studio. By myself. A dream come true from what I can tell. I’ll be moving into this place on May 1st. Soon after, I will make a large pot of chili.

A friend of mine has convinced me that lists are really cool and that there are many ways they can be incorporated into my life. So far, a few of the lists I’ve started are Research and Considerations, Concepts To Engage With, Goals for What I Expect To Achieve at the American Philosophical Society, and, of course, there’s my ongoing companion, the Catalog of Plastic. I’m sure these lists appear very dry, but they are useful to me or will become useful in the future.

The process of packing for my move has proven to be quite complicated. Because my bedroom is fairly small, moving boxes in and out of my closet is like a daily game of Tetris. I’m constantly reordering and reorganizing depending on which box I think is most relevant at any given time.

To expand on this packing procedure, I’m noticing how many of the things I’ve stored away are things I’ve forgotten about. Some for good reason. Others, not so much. I’m terribly sentimental and objects can have so much weight and memories attached to them. I’ve been this way ever since I was a kid. Things like cards, notes, small gifts, clothes. I’m not unaware that this is akin to being a hoarder. I’m not quite on that level and I don’t mean to make light of that situation. But it is really tough for me to throw things out. And I’m working on it. One day at a time.

I feel like I’m finally wrapping up a lot of the charcoal drawing i’ve been doing for the last year or so. I’m not feeling as invigorated by it as I once was. I’m finding more inspiration in writing again. Even if that writing isn’t really poetry, fiction, non-fiction, or anything formal. I think building this website for myself has given me a personal platform to work upon, someplace where I can write poses a little bit of pressure, but mostly not. I don’t think many people are actually paying attention to what I’m doing here. So, that helps to get my fingers back on the keyboard.

The weather has been consistently fluctuating. I’m ready for some heat and I’ve not quite had it yet. Better weather means going out and enjoying a walk or bike ride. Seeing the leaves and flowers emerge. Those visual indications will help to solidify many of the other changes listed above.

I’ve been working out at home, really basic workouts like push-ups and planks. Because of this, I could be in the best shape I’ve ever been. Now I just need to calibrate my diet and I think that’ll put me in a good spot. I haven’t been drinking as much lately, which was inspired by another friend who has cut alcohol out of his life completely. I do like drinking with friends and I think it’s fun as a social activity, so I don’t think I’m ready let go of, but it’s something I’ve been thinking about every now and then. Why is drinking and intoxication so solidified as a cultural norm?

That’s about it for this list. Like I said, I want to start a collection of these as sort of monthly catch-alls. Ultimately, I think the updates will help me to collect my thoughts and evaluate the direction I’m heading in.